From Novel Facial Measurements to Facial Implantology: A Systematic Review
Helena Baecher,
Alexandra Scheiflinger,
Katya Remy,
Niklas Straub,
Bhagvat Maheta,
Khalil Sherwani,
Can Deniz,
Samuel Knoedler,
Ali-Farid Safi,
Martin Kauke-Navarro,
Max Heiland,
Leonard Knoedler
Affiliations
Helena Baecher
Department of Cranio- and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Corresponding author. Helena Baecher, Department of Cranio- and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Alexandra Scheiflinger
Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Katya Remy
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Niklas Straub
Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
Bhagvat Maheta
Department of Surgery, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, USA
Khalil Sherwani
Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Can Deniz
Craniologicum, Center for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Bern, Switzerland
Samuel Knoedler
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Ali-Farid Safi
Craniologicum, Center for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Bern, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Martin Kauke-Navarro
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
Max Heiland
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Berlin, Germany
Leonard Knoedler
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Berlin, Germany
Background: Facial implants have emerged as pivotal tools for both reconstructive and aesthetic skull bone augmentation. Contemporary manufacturing techniques, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems, have revolutionized facial implants production, providing the advantages of high-level individualization. However, the absence of standardized facial measurements complicates the ability to accurately compare outcomes across various techniques. This systematic review investigates the strengths and limitations of various facial measurements employed in facial implants, with a particular focus on their impact on aesthetic outcomes and potential complications. Methods: We identified 13 studies in our comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Results: In total, 620 patients were included. The majority of the chosen studies focused on aesthetic purposes (69%). Primarily, mandibular (46%) or nasal regions (23%) were investigated, with porous polyethylene (31%), silicone (23%), and polyetheretherketone (23%) being the most utilized materials. Despite considerable heterogeneity in measurement approaches, including variations in reference points and angles, complications such as surgical site infections and nerve-related injuries were reported in the included studies. Conclusion: Our review highlights the importance of standardized facial analysis for optimal implant planning. Future research should prioritize the development of uniform measurement concepts tailored to diverse implant applications to enhance outcomes and patient satisfaction in facial implantation.
